Friends

Public libraries play a very important role in the life of a community - in the very fabric of society. A public library helps to insure that the information resources of a city, county, state, nation, etc., are available to all citizens. One of the cornerstones of democracy is that of an informed citizenry and the public library certainly has a vital part in providing services for the educational, cultural, and recreational needs of its patrons.
Libraries are fortunate when they have supporters who are committed to its mission. The Sumter County Library has been exceptionally lucky over the years to have a very dedicated and hardworking Friends group. Volunteers have been toiling for months sorting through donations and organizing materials into appropriate categories in preparation for the annual book sale. The location this year will be what was the old Service Merchandise store at Sumter Mall. This is the large, anchor store between Sears and JC Penney. The sale begins with a Friend's Only Night on Thursday, November 1 from 6 - 8:30 pm. If you aren't a Friend of the Library, you can join up Thursday evening and take advantage of opening night. We'll be glad to have you on board. The sale will continue on Friday, November 2 and 9 from 4-8:30 pm; Saturday, November 3 and 10 from 10 am - 6 pm; and Sunday, November 4 and 11 from 1:30 - 5 pm. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Library which will help the Library provide materials, programs, and services to meet the needs of the community.
One Friends fundraising event is about to begin and another was held on a beautiful October Saturday a few weeks ago. Over 170 runners and walkers turned out on the 13th to participate in the 2nd annual Forrest Ray 5K Run/Walk Celebration. Trey Parker of Wilson Hall School was the overall winner for the second consecutive year, trimming over a minute from his time last year. He completed the race in 15:54. Wilson Hall also won the school participation award. The military participation award went to Shaw's combined 28th and 9th Operational Weather Squadrons. Again, many thanks to all who came out to support the Library.
Robert

Forrest Ray 5K Run/Walk Celebration 2007 Winners

Overall:
1st Place Trey Parker 15:54
2nd Place Chris Hicks 16:52
3rd Place Joshua Jennings 17:41

Adult Male Adult Female
1st Place Chris Hicks 1st Place Rita Hobi
2nd Place James Goodson 2nd Place Julie Herlong
3rd Place Scott Snyder 3rd Place Heather Durant

Military Male Military Female
1st Place William Ray 1st Place Cathy Norwood
2nd Place James Slisik 2nd Place Noelle Caldwell
3rd Place Scott Stewart 3rd Place Jennifer Young

Youth Male Youth Female
1st Place Trey Parker 1st Place Erin Pratt
2nd Place Joshua Jennings 2nd Place Kat Blanchard
3rd Place Josh Watts 3rd Place Amber Collins

Forrest Ray 5K Traveling High School Cup Wilson Hall